头绪 (tóu xù) — main threads or key points (of a complex matter); clue; way to proceed (especially in an investigation or difficult task)
Definition
Literally 'head-threads': the loose ends or key threads of a tangled problem, so 'clue' or 'lead' usually applies to how to proceed, not to evidence. Common with 理出 ∼ or 找到一些 ∼.
noun
main threads or key points (of a complex matter)clueway to proceed (especially in an investigation or difficult task)
Examples
- ，头绪。Zhè ge wèn tí tài fù zá, wǒ yì diǎn tóu xù dōu méi yǒu.This problem is too complicated, I have no idea where to start.
- ，头绪。Jǐng chá zhèng zài diào chá, yǐ jīng zhǎo dào le yì xiē tóu xù.The police are investigating and have already found some leads.
- 。Tā huā le yì zhěng gè xià wǔ cái lǐ chū tóu xù.He spent the whole afternoon getting things sorted out.
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